A study commissioned by Gov. Deval Patrick (D) backs a gaming compact for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
Patrick has proposed to legalize commercial gaming in the state. That would make it available to the tribe, whose land-into-trust application is pending at the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Lawmakers have rejected Patrick's legislation over concerns about the impacts of gaming. The study acknowledges the concerns but says the state could take in upwards of $600 million a year if the casinos are legalized. Get the Story: